Kevin Feige says Happy Hogan was originally supposed to have died in Iron Man 3

It’s strange to think back to when the Marvel Cinematic Universe was in its infancy. So much has changed and we’ve seen characters come and go, but one who has been there since the very beginning is Happy Hogan, Tony Stark’s close friend and assistant played by Jon Favreau. The character has gone on to become a vital part of the Spider-Man franchise as well, but that very nearly happen as Kevin Feige revealed that Happy Hogan was originally supposed to have died in Iron Man 3.

If you recall, Iron Man 3 found Happy Hogan badly injured when an Extremis-enhanced soldier explodes. Happy slips into a coma, which sets Tony Stark off on the path of vengeance. During the recent red-carpet premiere of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige revealed that Happy Hogan would have died in Iron Man 3 had it not been for a note from Jon Favreau.

There was a little difference in the script than the final movie, which was that Happy died. Jon had a note — that is one of the most important notes he gave us at Marvel — which was, ‘What if Happy was severely injured but did not die?’

Jon Favreau responded, “He’s not lying! It’s true, it’s true. They accommodated it, and I’m so happy I’ve been a part of this and being able to be there with Tom Holland since the beginning. He’s such a pleasure to work with, and [Spider-Man director] Jon Watts, who is incredibly talented, it’s just fun to continue this relationship [with Marvel Studios]. It is a big part of my life, and these people are friends and also people I work with.” Following Iron Man 3, Happy Hogan went on to appear in Spider-Man: Homecoming, Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: Far From Home, and Spider-Man: No Way Home and developed a relationship with Peter’s Aunt May (Marisa Tomei). Had Happy Hogan died in Iron Man 3, we wouldn’t have gotten the wonderfully awkward moment when Peter confronts Happy and May about their dating life, so thank goodness for notes.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is currently playing in theatres and you can check out a review from our own Chris Bumbray right here. Also, be sure to let us know what you thought of the film as well.